Autumn snow at Low Force

On Location 9th November 2016

Parking at Bowlees in the roadside layby. (Free)

Route map: click on the arrow to play the route. GPX route available by clicking in the Plotaroute.com link at the bottom right .

From Bowlees it was a short walk across the snow covered field down to the riverside at Low Force.

The scene was simply stunning, the heavy snow that had recently fallen covered not only the ground but the trees. As it was still officially Autumn there were plenty of leaves on the branches. These added rich colours which would not be there in winter scenes.

The light was soft but that seemed to enhance the contrast between the dark waters and the terrain.

Using the Wynch bridge, a historic suspension footbridge that spans the Tees, we crossed to the south bank of the river.

We are now on the Pennine Way and from here there is a close up view of the main fall. The golden leaves were a real bonus to the situation.

Using the well made path we headed upstream in the direction of High Force.

Judging by the snow hanging on the gate and the lack of footprints it was obvious that I was the first along here since the snowfall. It was even a bit of a shame to knock the snow off the gate as we passed through.

It really was a winter wonderland giving a surreal beauty to the landscape.

It began to snow heavily as we approached the bridge at Holwick Head.

Our route would pass by the bridge, its the direct route up to High Force Hotel. Heading up the steps on the path we soon reached the fenced off area of Moor House nature reserve.

There are some locations that I have a habit of taking a regular image, and this is one of them. Perhaps not the best conditions today but trust me, it is a pleasing view normally. ( Check out this link to see it in normal winter conditions).

A short walk further on and we reached High Force.

I have seen High Force waterfall on many occasions but this was the first time in Autumn with a full winter coat. The large flakes of snow made taking a great photograph difficult but it was more a record of the unusual conditions.

Returning back the way we came I was looking for unusual subjects such as this birch contrasting with the wood behind.

Even the simplist of subjects took on a different character today.

The snow had almost stopped as we continued along our route back to Low Force.

Another subject which caught my eye as a good potential scene for a painting. From here it was simply a case of re-crossing the Wynch bridge and returning to the car.

The route is one that I have done on many occasions and in all seasons. it is a popular route for a short and relatively easy walk. However, the conditions today were not only unusual but almost magical. Well worth the effort to get out and record them.

Thank you for reading.